Soldiers who have been conditionally promoted but are unable to meet the condition of their promotion solely because of a medical condition that results in a finding of “unfit” by the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) will not be subject to administrative reduction if otherwise qualified to retain promotable status.

Promotion at the Time of Retirement or Separation

Per the provisions of 10 USC 1372, Soldiers on a promotion list at the time of retirement for disability will be retired for disability at the promotion list grade. Further, the Soldier will be promoted to the designated grade effective the day before placement on the retired list.

Per the provisions of 10 USC 1212, Soldiers who are on the promotion list at the time of separation for disability with entitlement to disability severance pay will be paid such compensation at the promotion list grade. Further, the Soldier will be promoted to the designated grade effective the Soldier’s separation date.

The guidance above also pertains to Active Army Soldiers who have reached the time-in-service and time-in-grade requirements for the next level of automatic promotion (PV2 to SPC), provided Soldiers do not have pending suspension of favorable personnel actions.

Related Policies and Resources

Service members are advised to visit their military personnel office or coordinate with their first line supervisor (squad leader) for assistance regarding their promotion status. For additional information on promotions, reference the following resources:

While in the WCTP and AW2, Soldiers can continue progressing their careers and ranks by enhancing existing and/or developing new skills through training, education, and/or internship opportunities - visit our Career and Education section to learn more.

What Army Regulation (AR) covers promotions?

Can promotion ceremonies be conducted before the promotion effective date?

Yes. When the effective date of a promotion is on a weekend or national holiday, a promotion ceremony may be conducted on the last duty day before the effective date of promotion.

If the officer will be on leave or en route to a new duty station (not including temporary duty) on the effective date of promotion, a ceremony may be conducted no earlier than 15 calendar days before the effective date. The ceremony should take place on the last duty day that the officer is present before the effective date.

Can terminally ill Soldiers get promoted?

Terminally ill Soldiers can be promoted if the following conditions are met:

Hospitalization is caused by disease or injury received in the line of duty

Terminal illness is verified by the medical facility Commander and estimated life expectancy is 12 months or less

Soldiers who have been conditionally promoted, but are unable to meet the condition of their promotion solely because of a medical condition that results in a finding of unfit by the Physical Disability Evaluation System (PDES) will not be subject to administrative reduction if otherwise qualified to retain promotable status.

Soldiers determined unfit by the PDES, but approved for continuation on active duty under the provisions of AR 635-40, chapter 6 , are otherwise eligible for promotion during the continuation on active duty.